Scream.: Duchess & Devils Book One

by Ruby M. Darling

Genres: Why Choose, Audiobook, Dark, Dark Romance

420 pages, Paperback

Published June 13, 2025

About the author

Ruby Darling is a small town Texas Native that reads too much Dark Fantasy Romance and sleeps too little, which has probably caused her to be delusional enough to create a world of her own. She hopes you have a great time under the glamour and in the veil.

Reviews

[Erika Braga · Rating 3 out of 5]

3.75 ⭐️

MFM
ARRANGED MARRIAGE
MAFIA BOSS
BODYGUARD
AGORAPHOBIA
SOMNOPHILIA
MY WIFE


I loved and I’ve been consumed but this series this week. I have to say that I am not itching to have the second book of this duet since the author was DIABOLICAL in the end.
Sabrina is Raven’s friend and she was this bubbly English girl with a lot of sass, spunk and attitude. She has an assigned body guard because of what happened to Raven. She has a tragedy happening to her when she went to a Concert with a friend, after that she changed completely. She became this closed off sad woman, with severe anxiety and many sensory issues. She wear gloves all the time because she can’t stand been touched, she can’t be in crowds, she can’t be in loud places, she can’t even sit on leather, she doesn’t drink alcohol anymore, she has panic attacks and nightmares and she’s been alone ever since. Through it all Parker her trusted amazing and sexy completely in love bodyguard is silently by her side. He knows her every need and they are always in sync. She wears a mask to everyone else and she’s a damn food actress. Then we have Maksim the mafia boss half Italian, half Russian so he controls the Bratva and the Italian mafia. He is this GIANT super mouth watering gorgeous lethal grumpy 34 years old virgin !!! 🥵🔥 virgin by choice and not because he didn’t have offers. He simply think women are a distraction he can’t afford to have it in his line of work. Till he gets Sabrina as a wife in an arranged marriage. He was enchanted by her from the beginning, but she was enraged that she was put in this position specially with all her issues. They are fight like cats and dogs and he is mean to her, with words but we know that words cut deeper than anything else ….. but their chemistry is explosive….. I love him. I like him more than I like Parker and I do also like Parker a lot. But Maksim is so extremely hot. And he is so perfect for her when they finally give in to their feelings. He does many little things to make her happy. It’s so cute. I also loved seem Raven and her harem in this book. This plot here wasn’t as interesting as the first duet but the ending was crazy and I can’t barely wait for the second book ! I have a feeling the second book will have a crazier plot.

[Cassidy Billings · Rating 5 out of 5]

Ruby Darling has solidified herself as one of my favorite dark romance authors. I loved this one. I do think I liked Speak and Stutter (specifically Speak) a tad bit more, but this one still delivered. Sabrina was a great FMC, and the boys of course were amazing. Maksim is probably my favorite. It was so toxic in the beginning with him I ate it up. But I did love Parker as well. And the ending?? I need book 2 now!

[ms.Violetg Likes To Read · Rating 5 out of 5]

Absolutely loved this story and duet style audiobook! The performances were fantastic, and I am feral for these characters! This is an MFM, arranged marriage, age gap, mafia vibes dark romance. Their story is beautiful, their relationships are swoon worthy, bringing all the heat and feels. This ends in a cliffhanger. I can’t wait to continue with this duet.

The FMC, Sabrina, in Scream is a side character we meet in Speak and Stutter.

[Brooke · Rating 5 out of 5]

 ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐-> ♾️🌟
🌶️🌶️🌶.5


💕 Arranged Marriage 💍
✨️ Italian Mafia
💕 Secret Society
✨️ "My Wife"
💕 Why Choose MFM 
✨️ Slight Age Gap
💕 Bodyguard
✨️ Bodyguard



✨️ 📚 ARC 📖 / 🎧 ALC 🎧 REVIEW ✨️

🎙Narrators: Amy Hall & Joe Arden 🎙

⚠️ Check Your Content/Trigger Warnings ⚠️

Sabrina is thrust into an arranged marriage that her dad arranged because he owed Maksim $3.3M. Yep, you read that right. Even though Sabrina had a career as an attorney, her father knew that if he arranged her to be married, he could satisfy the debt and offer something that Maksim wouldn't get unnless he married Sabrina. 

What Sabrina doesn't want is for Parker to leave her side anytime soon. He has been by her side from the worst time in her life. She has some trauma from her past that she tries to so hard to navigate but barely scrapes by. With the way that she tries to do everything to keep her mental health on the precipace is a huge undertaking. She has gloves and certain fabrics she can't touch. Throughout the book you see how this affects her. When she gets overwhelmed she breaks out in hives and shuts down. I felt sooo much while reading this part of her life. She had been through something so traumatic that it was decimating her bit by bit. 

Parker, or Savage, as he is referred to frequently is the one that has been by her side in order to keep her not only safe but also help her navigate the world that she walks. I love that there is a relationship like theirs, because you are able to see a love that so many people will never experience. It wasn't an out loud love. Parker didn't require that of Sabrina.

Once Sabrina and Maksim are married, it becomes a terrain that she hasn't treversed. But once they are all able to see that they could make their triangle work, it is on and popping!! I loved seeing their dynamic work and how happy she was! They were able to help her bring her true self out with the help of her therapist! I love that she went to therapy in order to help her mental health and embrace the woman that she is. Like so many women, she struggles to look at herself and love what she sees! Her trauma threatens her daily, but she refuses to let it win!

I loved this dark and enticing romance that brings soo much more to the table! This does end in a cliffhanger, but will continue in book 2! I cannot wait to get my ears and eyes on the conclusion!

       🔥 Let's Talk About Sex Baby 🥵: 
                   🌶️🌶🌶️.75 /5
🌶 CNC
🔥 Dub-Con
🌶 Enjoyable Group Scenes
🔥 MFM
🌶 Somnophilia
🔥 Breath Play/Choking
🌶 Voyeurism
🔥 Exhibitionism
🌶 Pain Play
🔥 Orgasm Denial/Forced
🌶 Bondage/Restraint
🔥 Cum Play/Swallowing
🌶 Humiliation/Degradation
🔥 Spanking/Impact Play
🌶 Raw Sex/No Condom
🔥 Breeding Kink
🌶 Throat Fucking
🔥 Primal Play

Sabrina, Maksim and Parker were a trio that truly worshipped each other! They were so willing to bend and try everything they could together. These were some of the hottest group scenes I have ever read! I loved hearing them together and the banter that they kept going. I didn't think the spice could be this spicy, but it was soooo good!

Thank you 🫶🏻 to ✨️ Ruby M. Darling & Blue Nose Audio ✨️ for the complimentary 🎧 ALC 🎧 copy. ✨️ All opinions are my own, honest and voluntary✨️.

[My Reading Era · Rating 4 out of 5]

After a devastating tragedy, Sabrina leans on her bodyguard, Parker, to survive the darkness threatening to consume her. But when her father forces her into an arranged marriage with Maksim, the ruthless mafia and Bratva boss, her world becomes even more complicated. Neither Sabrina nor Maksim wanted this union, yet both must confront their demons while navigating an unexpected bond. Amy Hall and Joe Arden deliver a flawless performance, capturing every layer of Sabrina and Maksim’s turbulent relationship. This story grips you from beginning until the end, and I can't wait for the next installment.

Thank you, Ruby M. Darling and Blue Nose Audio for the ALC.

[Kristen Link · Rating 5 out of 5]

Rude.

RUDE

I CANT EMOTIONALLY HANDLE A CLIFFHANGER OF THIS MAGNITUDE

[Kaely Smith · Rating 5 out of 5]

**ALC Review**

⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
🌶️🌶️🌶️
🎧🎧🎧🎧🎧

Ruby Darling has done it again. She's given us men to swoon over and a woman to be admired in Scream. Early on, we learn that Sabrina Winters goes through something horrible. The next few years is her trying to deal with that trauma, but in doing so, she's lost who she is. When her father is caught up in some money troubles, he offers his daughter as a bride in an arranged marriage to a dangerous mafioso, but anywhere Sabrina goes, her bodyguard, Parker, goes.

When Sabrina meets her fiance to establish a relationship, it's definitely not love at first sight, but maybe more so disdain. But, it's not long after that feelings develop, that lines are crossed, and extracurricular activities tend to be more fun with three.

I love that we are still in the same world as the Rayne-Moore University Duet. Sabrina is Raven's best friend and we get to see more of their relationship develop as best friends who both reconnect after traumatic experiences both upend their lives. Not only that, but we get to see more of Raven and her men! 🙌🏻 But Sabrina is much different than Raven, but she admires Raven for what she's gone through and overcome. Sabrina can stand on her own as a lawyer and the wife of a Mafia boss and she is tested, but she knows what she's doing and can hold her own amongst the Mafia wives and families. She's able to find a way into their hearts, but will she be able to find a way into her husband, Maksim's, heart?

This story had me all over with my emotions. You start, Sabrina's story is gut wrenching. But as the story goes on and we meet our two mmcs, I was swooning, giggling, and kicking my feet like a love sick girl again. And then Ruby had to hit us with that cliffhanger at the end. Like girl..... Why? I'm going to need the second book for this duet life yesterday! But I can't wait for more of Sabrina, Parker and Maksim's story! If you loved Speak and Stutter, you will love Scream! I think I might love this story more than the aforementioned (and I loved those two books!! ) Ruby has a way with words, characters and the story she weaves around those characters! So don't hesitate to pick up this audio and give it a listen!

The narration for Scream was perfection! Amy Hall embodied Sabrina and her many emotions. Her slight British accent was perfect for Sabrina! And when she did narrate for Raven, she did an amazing job! I look forward to listening to more books narrated by Amy Hall!

Then there's Joe Arden voicing both Parker and Maksim. Parker had a slight southern accent and it was delicious! He also voiced Maksim's broody personality to perfection! The chemistry between the characters was felt through the incredible voice acting and it really was perfection!

[Kellie Jackson · Rating 5 out of 5]

I devoured this like it was my last freaking meal. I’m so hooked to this series. It keeps getting better with each book and the spice? 😮‍💨😮‍💨😮‍💨 damn it is spicing. I love Maksim and Parker so much and how much they care for Sabrina and will do anything and everything for her. This storyline has got to be my absolutely favorite and I just know Sabrina is about to show her strength in the next one. I cannot freaking wait!

[Megan Gorney · Rating 5 out of 5]

4.5 ⭐️ I do enjoy the men that Ruby writes about. Now I wait for book 2…

[Terry · Rating 5 out of 5]

10 STARS!

Ruby Darling at her best yet!

[Monica · Rating 5 out of 5]

Wow. Is it hot in here or is that just Parker? Asking for a friend...

I could not stop reading this sister book/companion/continuation/whatever you want to call it to Raven's books. I am so ridiculously obsessed with this universe and the characters Darling has created.

At first, I won't lie, Sabrina kind of got on my nerves. I can't really articulate why, just that we didn't vibe. But by the time she sits down with Maksim for lunch, she'd already grown on me, and I was questioning myself and why I didn't immediately love her as I should.

Now Parker? Immediate smash. Gimme a boy with a drawl and scars and tattoos and a heart even bigger than something else and I will eat that up page after page after page. And Maksim? A man who abstains because he takes himself too seriously? Not something I thought I needed in my book boyfriend life, but here we are and I love him.

I'm not a fan of cliffhangers when the next book isn't already available for me to consume so I read this and then promptly followed it up with the audiobook. If you've read many of my reviews, you'll notice it's a theme with books I rate highly; I just couldn't get enough!

[TK.B · Rating 3 out of 5]

Although it doesn't reach anywhere near the dizzying heights of the first two Rayne-Moore books, 'Scream' is still one of the better books in the dark romance genre. And it will appeal to readers who prefer less dark, more romance.

With the incomparably brilliant 'Speak' and 'Stutter' duet, Ruby M Darling became - and remains - my favourite spicy author, by a huge margin. The inventive, nuanced, emotional, fearless way she writes, is second to none. Especially her sexy-times scenes.

Her characters are exceptionally well developed, because she takes impeccable care to establish their backstories, their motivations, their quirks, their perspectives.

Her plots include standard romance/dark romance tropes, but the way she crafts her writing, elevates those tropes to something unique and surprising, and often straight-up jaw-dropping.

The one weakness in her work, is consistently bad editing. In 'Scream', two very noticeable examples, are the misattributed quote at the beginning, and the repeated use of 'mix-matched' instead of 'mismatched', to describe someone's eyes.

Specific to the audiobook version: Although Joe Arden is ridiculously talented, 'Scream' would have greatly benefited from having an additional male narrator, as the two MMC's are vastly different in every way.

But the real problem with the audiobook, is the female narrator, Amy Hall. She's painful to listen to. Her 'light English accent' for Sabrina, the FMC, is f*cking terrible. Dick Van Dyke in Mary Poppins terrible. "Allo, guv'na."

Likely due to her difficulty in speaking with an accent, the way she performs the character of Sabrina feels jarringly inauthentic and detached. To be fair, it could not have been easy having to frequently refer to her character's genitals as "my pink parts". Yeccchhhh. (The one and only time Ruby Darling's writing has made me cringe.)

The plot is an arranged marriage to a mafioso, with instant haters to somewhat slowburn lovers. A story that's been told about a zillion times by now. But because Ruby Darling is a f*cking great writer, it does work, and it works pretty well. Especially with the added element - and by far the best character - of Parker, the pining, devoted, stoopid-hot, badass but sweetheart bodyguard.

Once again, Ruby Darling's characters have realistic flaws, realistic trauma, and her FMC is not a wafer-thin teenager, she's an adult woman with a natural, healthy body. LOVE. THAT. SO. MUCH. Also love how empowered and adored and lusted-after she is by the men in her life.

However, I do agree with other reviewers, that Sabrina's transition from traumatized to dickmatized, was much too rushed to be remotely believable.

It should be mentioned, that 'Scream' is the first of a new series, and does end on a fairly foreseeable cliffhanger.

Even with minor flaws, there is a secret ingredient which makes Ruby Darling's books so special... She not only writes compelling grown-ass female characters with relatable issues, and normal, healthy bodies, she also writes multifaceted men who love these women for who they are.

The love between her characters is human and messy, passionate but grounded, respectful, supportive and accepting. Which is partially why her sexy-times scenes are so insanely, gloriously hot. HOTTTTTTTT.

People in her books get so, so dirty, so, so often, but somehow every deliciously filthy scene is never boring or repetitive. They're creative, and intense, and joyful. What's more, they often serve a narrative purpose, as they're an essential part of her character's growth.

That is very much the case in 'Scream'. While it's not the OMFG lightning in a bottle that 'Speak' and 'Stutter' are, it's still an enjoyable read, by an extremely talented writer.

[Nikki Yoder · Rating 5 out of 5]

️ALC Review ️

Holy crap! I was not prepared for this book. Just wow! This book completely blew me away in the best possible way. The writing, the story, the dialogue, the emotions were all there and all perfect. Everything about this book was incredible. This was my first book by Ruby, and I can say unequivocally it will not be my last. And that cliffhanger??? Are you kidding me??? Brutal, but so beautifully done at the same time. I will definitely be going back for the second book in this duet. Then there is the narration. The narrators are incredible in their own right, but paired together and with this book, it was exquisite. Amy has been a favorite for a while now, and she was amazing as Sabrina, and captured the essence of her perfectly. Then Joe put on a brilliant performance as Maksim and Parker. I don’t know when book 2 is supposed to come out but I need it to be as soon as possible.

Narration: Duet narration, first-person present tense, multiple-POV some flashbacks

Tropes: slight age gap, past trauma, Italian m@fia, bodyguard, secret society, CNC, dub-con, group scenes, ‘my wife’, MFM, arranged marriage, lawyer, bi-continental, other series cameos, therapy, $omnophilia, pink, OCD, BBW

Overall: 5
Spice: 4
Humor: 2.5
Drama: 4
Darkness: 3
Narration: 5

Sabrina has been a shell of herself for two years. Ever since that fateful night she refuses to talk about, preferring to pretend it never happened and not talking about it. When she hears from her father that in order to pay off his debts, she is to marry Maksim, the Devil of New York. 

Maksim doesn’t necessarily want to marry Sabrina, but he does want what is owed to him, and plans to use the marriage not only for repayment of the money he is owed but also to get a foot in the door with the Syndicate. 

Sabrina’s relationship with Parker is complicated, and the two seem to float around each other, orbiting, but never crossing that line. Until they do. This could be just the thing to bring all of them together. A unit that can help Sabrina find her way out of the dark, and give them all an HEA, unless the past comes back to ruin everything.

[J. Chen · Rating 3 out of 5]

3.25

First, I loved the crossover with Raven and her conspiracy and laughed when Niko wanted to join in. I was surprised how often her boys were part of the story, but enjoyed it. During Speak and Stutter, I was really looking forward to Sabrina's story, especially when we peeked into Maksim being so protective of her at one of the funerals. That said, it didn't really stand out to me for some reason. While the chemistry between Parker, Sabrina, Maksim was hot, something made me kind of indifferent to them. It might just be a me issue.

It also might be the whole "pink parts" thing which made me externally cringe and internally gag. Also, why do authors keep giving color a whole ass personality to FMCs? It's also cringe and annoying as hell. Also the transition from getting hives just from being touched, even by Parker, to getting railed non-stop, all day every day was kind of ridiculous. There was no easing in. One second she's burning her skin off and next, she's hate fucking Maksim? What? How the hell did she make out with these two without breaking out in hives again? This was before the issue was even talked about much less resolved and yet there were multiple kisses where there were no physical reactions. Maybe it's the neurotic brain of mine but I couldn't help but harp on this as it seemed to be a HUGE part of her physical manifestation of her trauma. Once that came to pass, I couldn't really care about her nor could I suspend my disbelief.

It does leave on a cliffhanger and I do want to know what happens but I'm not chomping at the bit like I was with Speak.

Oh and ASL. I love that everyone is trying to learn for Raven but the number of people who HAPPEN to already know or started learning on their own a month ago and all of a sudden is SUPER fluent is pretty ridiculous.

[Karon · Rating 5 out of 5]

⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
🌶️🌶️🌶️🌶️

I absolutely loved SPEAK and STUTTER previous books from this author and this book to some degree follows on in that vein in regards that this story is Sabrina, Raven’s best friends story.

After the events that happened to Raven at Rayne-Moore, Sabrina is assigned a bodyguard Parker Savage Hayes, who she becomes totally reliant on when she suffers an horrific event leaving her trying to rebuild her life all the while telling and showing the people and the world around her a fake smile and tough exterior.

Things become even more complicated for Sabrina when she is forced to marry Maksim Giorgano not only head of the Mafia but also the Bratva all because her father owes a rather large debt, but Maksim never wanted a wife having had it drummed into him from an early age that wives were a weakness and under no circumstances were you to fall in love with her, but now not only does he have one of those but also the “non-negotiable Parker” and this is when events and emotions take off in an increasingly intense manner.

As Sabrina, Maksim and Parker slowly come to terms with their situation you can’t help but feel their elation, heartbreak and confusion as they navigate their demons trying desperately to get the happiness they so badly crave together.

Like all good reads it wouldn’t be the same if there wasn’t silent deadly forces working to try and bring their downfall making this book a real page turner from start to finish.

I was totally investing in this book and loved the layers these characters had especially the fear of getting their hearts broken. I can’t wait to see where the next book for Sabrina, Maksim and Parker takes them and us, all I can say is I will patiently be waiting to find out.

[Lynnette Price · Rating 5 out of 5]

ALC Review Scream
Ruby M Darling has become one of my favorite authors! She knows how to write a spicy, why choose romance with just the right mixture of character development, plot, action, and spice.

Scream is the first book in the Duchess & Devils series. We follow Sabrina Winters, a daughter of the syndicate, her bodyguard Parker and mafia king Maksim Giordano. This book is full of my favorite tropes from age gap, bodyguard, mafia/bratva, arranged marriage and a virgin MMC. But there is trauma as well, so please check your trigger warnings.

Every emotion was engaged in this book from Sabrina‘s trauma to the way her men helped her heal through their love and devotion. This book broke my heart, healed it slowly and then broke it again. And the ending! I’m completely shook!

The duet narration by Amy Hall and Joe Arden was chef’s kiss. The emotion that they brought to their roles elevated this five star book even more. Joe once again brought many characters to life in this book, doing what he does best through his dynamic voice acting. The raw emotion that Amy brought to Sabrina‘s character, especially in the scene where she’s in the brides room. I felt that wholly in my heart and it broke me.
I now eagerly await book two in the series. I just know that Sabrina is going to come fully into her feminine rage, and we are going to see her develop even more into the fierce woman that she is.

Thank you, Ruby M Darling for this amazing book and thank you Blue Nose Audio, Amy Hall, and Joe Arden for the outstanding audiobook.

Story: ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
Performance: ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
Spice: 🌶️🌶️🌶️🌶️
My heart: ❤️ 💔❤️‍🩹❤️💔

[Alexandra · Rating 3 out of 5]

🎧 Audiobook review 🎧⚡ Spoilers might lie ahead—I usually like to talk shit about everything that goes down in these books.

3.5 stars for the story, 4 because of the smut and narration.

This is another solid book by Ruby Darling—the way she writes her men is literally every girl’s fantasy come true. Buuut, I’m a little underwhelmed. It just didn’t have that wow factor like Stutter and Speak. Then again, every author has their magnum opus that outshines the rest.

What felt off for me:

Maksim – He’s sweet, he’s a cupcake, and I love him, but he didn’t really stand out in any way.

Focus on Sabrina’s drama – at times the story leaned a bit too much on explaining and revisiting her issues, when I would’ve preferred more show, don’t tell.

Lack of originality – not a crime in itself, but when combined with the other issues, it became a minus for me.

Narration preference – Not to be mean, but I really don’t vibe with Amy Hall. She’s voiced two of my most hated FMCs (Rachel from Pucking Around and Skyla from the Gallow’s Hill series), and generally I avoid audiobooks she narrates. She wasn’t that bad here, but the cadence of her delivery still threw me off. Honestly, if this hadn’t been Ruby’s book, I might have skipped it.

Favorite colors as personality traits – I don’t get why authors keep using a favorite color as some kind of quirky trait that’s supposed to make a character attractive. We’re not animals, peacocking around for shiny mates. And it’s annoying when that color gets vomited all over everything—the house, the clothes, even talking about dyeing a gun pink, ffs.

The trauma jump – Going from having hives when touched for three years straight to suddenly being railed all day, every day by two massive men felt… rushed, to put it mildly.

It ends on a cliffhanger (a predictable one, at that).

The saving grace: duet narration. Joe Arden, as always, is an overachiever—doing 10 million voices and making Parker’s accent straight-up panty-melting.

[Mandy White · Rating 5 out of 5]

🧁🧁🧁 ITS SHOWTIME!! 🧁🧁🧁
🎀🎀🎀🎀🎀🎀🎀🎀🎀🎀🎀🎀🎀

This book was already such a great ride. All this audio did was take it to the next level. When you already have great material, the audiobook is bound to be amazing. But with these 2 narrators you get a masterpiece! @therealjoearden and @amyhallnarrates did absolutely amazing as Sabrina and her guys.

Parker has my whole heart. Not to say Maksim isn’t amazing as well. And Sabrina is such a strong powerful character. She went through something absolutely atrocious and fights EVERYDAY to be alive. Parker sees her, helps her, loves her silently. But Maksim falls fast. He is determined to make her love him as well. I think this is for everyone. It’s Mafia, bodyguard, why choose, forced marriage, everything you could want. If you read Speak and Stutter you won’t want to miss this! It will give you a peek at Raven and her guys as well.

Guys RUN!! Don’t walk!! Audio is out today and these 2 narrators absolutely nailed it. They did absolutely amazing jobs!! I am continually impressed with the quality of Joe and I’m not sure if I’ve listened to Amy before but she was brilliant as Sabrina. Highly recommend this audiobook!!
And thank you to blue nose for this opportunity and to Ruby for making sure I got on the list 🥰😘 so proud of you Ruby!!

ALC Review

[Angelique · Rating 5 out of 5]

Damn Ruby! What I just read-SCREAM-was deliciously intense, and I ate it all up and savored every minute!! I had no idea where this book was going and I was shocked 😳 when
discovering what happened in the beginning to make Sabrina the way she was( my heart ached for her), the story of how she and Maksim came to be-didn't see that coming, and the back story of Parker and Sabrina. Love 💗 Love both
Parker and Maxsim and the different ways they love their Sabrina. And the spice had me blushing, sweating, and pausing my reading to try and envision positions 🌶️🌶️🌶️🌶️🌶️Definitely felt blind going into this story, it was not at all the story I was expecting and I enjoyed the surprise! | was super giddy to see so much of Raven 🐦‍⬛ and her men in this book, defiantly a big part of Sabrina's story. I envisioned in my mind a different
"cliffhanger" so the shock was defiantly happening for me!!! I just wish I had book 2 NOW!!!!
The audio for SCREAM was of course amazing!!!! Joe Arden as Maksim, Parker(love the drawl of his voice) and all the other male voices was as alway incredible, talent at its finest. Amy Hall did a fantastic portrayal of Sabrina (and the other female voices) with her slight English accent and very proper voice! Congratulations Ruby on another amazing book!
💗🧁🖤

[Kat Zicari · Rating 5 out of 5]

⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ Pink Parts

Where to even begin! Ruby Darling has instantly become my favorite ‘Why Choose’ author and I’m still brand new to her work! I listened to Speak about a week ago, and before getting into Stutter, I went straight to reading Scream.

Ms Pink Parts, the most loving, funny, sexy, and sweetest FMC I’ve read in Sabrina Winters. Her story is raw, sad, and all you can do is root for her from start to… cliffhanger! And her men!!!! Oof!

Maks… OMG that infuriating man! He was such a cockwomble until he wasn’t, but still, he made me want to strangle him in the first half of the book! BUT… I loved him anyways because he definitely turned out to be someone I would want to be with if I was a fictional female character and always want to be called Duchess 24/7!

Parker!!! This man! Sabrina is soooooooo lucky to have this man as her bodyguard, lover, partner, and he takes such amazing care for her, I’ve cried a handful of times because of him. Ohhhhhh and the jeweled package he carries around, I’m jealous AF LOL!

Maks and Parker make a great duo for Sabrina, and they know how to take care of their woman like REAL MEN… BUT

THAT
DAMN
CLIFFHANGER…

[Fallon Story · Rating 5 out of 5]

🌶️🌶️🌶️🌶️

First off let me start by saying the narrator’s on this book were amazing. Joe Arden’s ability to take on any type of role and just nail it is just chefs kiss. His southern drawl with Parker and then intensity if our mob man maxim on top of Damon Jonas and maverick is unmatched. Amy hall doing Sabrina and the accent was just beautiful. Now onto the story, just when I thought Ruby couldn’t be topped she does it again this story and plot was brilliant. I loved the character growth and change we got to see Sabrina’ go through after overcoming such a traumatic experience and then with maxim the love that grew between them was just amazing. The way that Parker knew her so well was always there for whatever she needed was just top notch. Loved the way these two men just loved and worshipped her. Loved the crossover with raven and the guys also and Sabrina use of nicknames to talk shit about her husband was just too good. Amazing read and after that hell of a cliffhanger ending I am dying to get to the next book.

[Tali · Rating 5 out of 5]

Oooooohweeeee 😮‍💨

𝙎𝙘𝙧𝙚𝙖𝙢
𝙖𝙥𝙥𝙧𝙤𝙭 𝙡𝙞𝙨𝙩𝙚𝙣𝙞𝙣𝙜 𝙩𝙞𝙢𝙚: 16𝙝 30𝙢

Has Ruby Darling become the queen of why choose? I’m thinkin’ so!

Sabrina goes through a traumatic event that has left her cold, guarded, and broken, only to find herself in an arraigned marriage with the biggest mafia boss of New York, Maksim. Maksim has met his match with her. Let’s not forget her bodyguard with that southern drawl, Parker.

Sabrina initially disassociates by rage baking delicious cupcakes - I want the recipe! As she starts to work through her trauma, Maksim and Parker are there to help, and we are rewarded!

Read if you enjoy why choose, trauma to triumph, secret societies with a little mafia sprinkled in, and cupcakes!

Can’t wait for book two!

Absolutely loved Amy Hall as the very snobbish Sabrina. She played that upper class snoot very well and her emotions trying to keep everything inside was felt.

Joe Arden did amazing as Maksim and Parker, always bringing the story to life!

Thank you to BNA for the ALC!

[Melissa · Rating 5 out of 5]

Sabrina is the picture of perfection, all wrapped in pink and dipped in buttercream. She puts on her mask and plays the parts she's expected too. On the inside, she's hurting and trying to stay above water. She suffers a trauma that has her living in her own shadow. She can't breathe with the weight of her secrets and she's drowning. Enter an arranged marriage to The mafia boss known as the Devil of New York, while being in love with the Savage bodyguard who has been by her side for 4 years. The water is rising fast and she is looking for a way to the top. Little does she know that these men will be what she needs. The relationships between Sabrina and her men along with the dynamic forming as a trio breathes air into her lungs and reminds her that she can swim.
This story is beautiful, plot heavy slow burn that earns its spice in the most delicious of ways. There is so much angst and yearning and just when everything gets good.... the cliffy hits you and leaves you reeling. I feel like, in true Ruby style, this HEA will be very hard earned.

[Freyja's Library · Rating 5 out of 5]

Infinite ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
5 🌶️🌶️🌶️🌶️🌶️

OMFG! This book is actually the kind of book that gets you through ALL the emotions.
It has broken my heart, mended it more or less, gave it back just to tear it out again setting it afire before stomping on it. ❤️💔❤️‍🩹❤️💔❤️‍🔥🖤
I am still not sure I have fully recovered. But what a ride!!!
It was ABSOLUTELY WILD!
And... It was healing. 💖

Really, if you still haven't read anything from this author I don't know what your are waiting for because you ARE MISSING OUT on some freaking good stuff!

@authorrubymdarling Thank you again for your trust with this ARC. Keep on going with the good Books! You are an OUTSTANDING author! 💪🏻 And I am so proud and grateful for you. 🫶🏻

💖 Book 3 of the Rayne Moore University series
🫦 Why Choose Romance
🤌🏻 Mafia x Bratva
👰🏼‍♂️ Arranged Mariage
🧁 Spicy spicing spice
💀 Touch her and d!e
🕶️ Bodyguard x employee
🧠 Badass FMC

[Angel Basri · Rating 5 out of 5]

⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
🌶️🌶️🌶️🌶️🌶️

Audiobook out 9.30.25
Performed in duet style by Amy Hall and Joe Arden and it’s the perfect combo 🫠🫠🫠

Thank you Ruby and Blue Nose audio for the ALC

This book is so addicting, the tropes alone are a reason enough to add it to your TBR

Sabrina Winters, socialite duchess, her family connection to the same society in Rayne- Moore world ( Speak+ Stutter) she is best friend with Our undefeated Raven Monroe.


Sabrina is forced into a marriage of convenience with a mafia boss ( he is the head of both the Russian and the Italian mafia )

Maksim ( the said boss ) married Sabrina to get access to the secret society and be part of bigger deals

And we have PARKER SAVAGE MFKNG HAYES, Sabrina’s bodyguard turned best friend and confidant.


And in this story, we navigate how Parker will help both Bri and Maksim find they happy, as in all three of them.

Like Parker said: she is not mine, but she isn’t his either…. She is OURS.

[Melissa · Rating 5 out of 5]

This was so good. I devoured this audiobook in two days and couldn't stop listening. Sabrina changed after something bad happened to her. It's something she hasn't been able to face for some time now. But when her father owes the Devil Of New York his soul she becomes a bargaining chip. She has to have an arranged marriage with Maksim, a criminal underground leader.

I loved the characters. They were flawed, brutally honest and felt so real. Sabrina became a shell of the person she used to be. She became closed off and hid herself from everyone. I loved her character growth in this one. She became stronger, braver and confident in herself. The guys were amazing! Loved Maksim and Parker. They were both loyal, obsessed and possessive over Sabrina. I loved how overprotective they were of her too. I loved seeing their dynamic together. Given their situation it was unique.

As for the audiobook narration, it's phenomenal! Performed in duet by Amy Hall and Joe Arden. Amy conveyed Sabrina with so much realness she exuded her disdain and need for Maksim and Parker. Joe conveyed Maksim with a deep tone that was serious and emotional. He conveyed Parker with a Southern accent. He exuded his charm and quick wit. Joe also conveyed both of their alpha dominance. The duet narration definitely added more of an emotional connection between the characters and the story.

Audiobook coming soon!

Thank you to @bluenoseaudio for my ALC and for the opportunity to review and listen.

[Chelsi Lowe · Rating 5 out of 5]

I devoured this!! Ruby Darling what are you doing to us?!?

If you enjoyed Speak and Stutter you have to read this. They’re interconnected and you should read them first.

This story follows Sabrina and her arranged marriage to Maksim that turns in to much more.

The beginning starts with giving us back story into why Sabrina acts the way she does due to an incident that happened to her. From there it jumps forward to her arranged marriage thanks to her horrible father. Maksim is mmmm 😋 and the little surprise that came with him had me like ooo ok sir. Sabrina also has a hot body guard named Parker who at first before things happened to her she wanted badly.

I know this is super vague but I don’t want to spoil the goodness that is this story!! That cliff at the end though 😂😂

[Lindsey · Rating 3 out of 5]

I enjoyed this storyline better than Speak / Stutter. I liked that raven and her herd were part of this one too; nice little crossover. My main grouch about the storyline is that it’s just a bid too easy for Kane to gain access to Sabrina and that part of the writing seems a bit lazy

I’ll keep saying this until it happens… someone please edit and proofread this poor authors books! The errors are painful. This one wasn’t as bad as the last two, but it still needs fixed. I don’t fault the author. I’m sure at this point she’s at that stage where she’s blind to it. It’s something fresh eyes should help her catch

[Nikki · Rating 5 out of 5]

🎧ALC REVIEW🎧

Coming to audio September 30th

“On the outside, I’m flawless. On the inside, I’m rotting.”

“King… the word from her lips makes me feel alive, suddenly the weight of the crown isn’t as heavy.”

“My devil. My husband. My favourite nightmare.”

Oh I loved Sabrina’s story. British Barbie X Mafia vibes. This also weaved seamlessly into the Rayne-Moore world and the cameos by Raven and her men have my heart. Another expertly narrated experience that I would HIGHLY recommend to my dark romance lovers.

Thank you @bluenoseaudio

Narrated by @amyhallnarrates and @therealjoearden

#gifted #scream #darkromance #mafiaromance #billionaireromance #darkromancereads #darkromancebooks

[Alexandria Segura · Rating 4 out of 5]

I’m here for the vibes. This was a fun read… but if I’m being honest—the plot wasn’t very strong.

HOWEVER. Sabrina might be one of my top FMCs. She’s curvy, quick-lipped, witty, and her banter kept me hooked. And the spice? Delivered flawlessly—just as you’d expect from a Ruby Darling book.

Also… can we talk about her men? One’s a tattoo-covered bodyguard, the other’s a mafia boss—both obsessed with her. Where’s the sign-up sheet for that kind of problem?

Overall, it was entertaining, even if the story itself felt a bit thin. BUT that cliffhanger? RUBY. That’s how you’re going to leave me?! When’s book two?!

Audio- immaculate. Duet style!